Chapter Eight: How I Live:

-Mick-

She keeps asking so many questions.

“How can you live like this?”

I looked up at her. “Huh?”

She was staring at me. I gave her a curious look. Her daughter is playing on the floor with the dog. Nancy narrowed her eyes.

“Don’t you get lonely?” she asked. I shrugged and shook my head.

“No,” I said.

“No?”

“No.”

“Why is that?”

Really? We’re going to do this again? How many times do I have to spell it out to her? I cleared my throat.

“I don’t like people,” I said. “I don’t have a reason. That isn’t going to change no matter how many times you ask. So please stop.” I took a breath. Nancy frowned at me like she wasn’t understanding what I was saying.

“Look,” I said. “I’m just not as outgoing as everyone wants me to be. You’re being just like my mates.”

“You had mates?” she asked. I rolled my eyes.

“Yes,” I said. “I had friends before this whole mess started. I wasn’t a complete recluse.”

“And what about now?” she asked. I could feel another headache coming on. Before she came here, I had myself to take care of. I would have plenty of food. I had plenty of water. I was going to be fine. Nancy and Ava complicate things. Not only do I have to care for a dog and a little girl, but I also have to take care of the girl’s pregnant mum. I might have to go out for another shopping trip. I used to only have to go once a month.

“Too many people here,” I said. Nancy frowned at me.

“You want us gone?” she asked.

“No,” I said as I shoved my hands into my hoodie pockets.

“Then what do you want?” Nancy asked.

“To be alone,” I said.

“You can’t have both.”

“Sure I can. I could just stay in my room while you’re in the house.”

“Would you get hungry?”

I gritted my teeth. “I will be fine.”

“What about shopping?”

“I’ve got it.” I held up my hand in time when she opened her mouth. “I’ve got it.” Nancy closed her mouth. I took a breath. She doesn’t get it. I don’t need to be with anyone all the time. I was fine on my own.

“Why do you even care?” I asked. Nancy shrugged as she frowned.

“You look so lonely,” she said. I stared at her. What the hell was this? I threw up my hands and walked down the hall.

“Mick?” she asked. I made it to my room and closed the door behind me. I sat down on the floor. What the hell was she talking about? Me being lonely? I shook my head. She doesn’t know me at all. Still, I couldn’t put her out. She and her daughter didn’t have anywhere to go. Plus, Nancy wasn’t in any condition to go travel. But still, I don’t know anything about childbirth or what I need. There isn’t anyone who knows around either.

I dropped my head down onto my knees. What have I gotten myself into? These were so much easier when I was alone. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now…

I heard a knock on my door.

“What?” I asked with my face to my knees.

“Are you okay in there?” Nancy asked in the hall.

“No!” I shouted. There was a pause for a moment.

“I’m going to make us some dinner, okay?” she asked. I sighed and lifted my head.

“Fine, whatever,” I muttered. I listened as she walked down the hall. I dropped my head again. Something had to change. Damn it! It was so much easier when it was just me and the dog.